Texas Government Code 78.054 – Powers and Duties
(a) The office may not accept an appointment under Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure, if:
(1) a conflict of interest exists;
(2) the office has insufficient resources to provide adequate representation for the defendant;
(3) the office is incapable of providing representation for the defendant in accordance with the rules of professional conduct; or
(4) other good cause is shown for not accepting the appointment.
(b) The office may not represent a defendant in a federal habeas review. The office may not represent a defendant in an action or proceeding in state court other than an action or proceeding that:
(1) is conducted under Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2) is collateral to the preparation of an application under Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(3) concerns any other post-conviction matter in a death penalty case other than a direct appeal, including an action or proceeding under Article 46.05 or Chapter 64, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(4) is conducted under Article 11.073, Code of Criminal Procedure, or is collateral to the preparation of an application under Article 11.073, Code of Criminal Procedure, if the case was referred in writing to the office by the Texas Forensic Science Commission under Section 4(h), Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 78.054
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) Notwithstanding Article 26.04(p), Code of Criminal Procedure, the office may independently investigate the financial condition of any person the office is appointed to represent. The office shall report the results of the investigation to the appointing judge. The judge may hold a hearing to determine if the person is indigent and entitled to representation under this section.
(d) The office may consult with law school clinics with applicable knowledge and experience and with other experts as necessary to investigate the facts of a particular case.